Frost Bitten Berries

Huddled together for warmth from the January frost, they were small, fragile but bold in their beauty.  The bluest sky lies above them. The whitest blanket of snow beneath their dangling clusters. They were chilled, cold, being pushed about by the brisk wind which only helped to make them look more adorable. 

Photo and words by me

Winter Weeds

In January, I see winter weeds. They are those who try to survive despite the harshness and coldness of their surrondings. They are the ones who force themselves to be seen, even though they are so often overlooked. They are the remaining ones; the courageous ones; the hopeful ones.

Photo and words by me
  

Past meets Present: Retro digital camera fujifilmx100

A photographer I am  not. I won't make any pretense about being some artistic point and shoot master that lives for a great pic. I pull my camera out now and then mostly to have a picture to add to my posts on this blog. But I do love cameras--not to use but to collect. I also have a thing for innovative items that merge decades either in terms of use, style, or both. Fujiflim made a camera after my own heart when they released the fujifilmx100. Allow me one childish outburst: I Want This Camera!

I'm not going to post a lengthy description about it's features and specs. I'm more interested in the fact that this digital camera looks like it stepped out of the 1970's film camera era. If I was a photographer I'd be snapping shots every second with this beauty.

According to Fujifilm.com:

The classically inspired Fujifilm X100 has been globally recognized, picking up TIPA, EISA, iF Design and Red Dot awards for its premium design and technology. The Fuji X100 marries the highest calibre Fujinon lens with a custom APS-C CMOS sensor and the latest EXR image processing technology to deliver ultimate image quality. The unique Hybrid Viewfinder combines the clear, sharp view of an optical viewfinder with an electronic display. Control the shutter speed, aperture, ISO and exposure compensation with the manual dial and controls and explore your creative side. With the FinePix X100, you'll fall in love with photography all over again.

The cost is way out of my budget (1,199.99) though one may be able to find it cheaper on ebay. It is definitely a camera for those who like to bring a bit of the past into the present.

A spoon full of love

My photoshop editor likes to go to war with me. It disobeys and plays tricks even when I'm looking. So I have to apologize for the way the edit looks.
I took this pic of cinnamon hearts, one of my favorite treats, and thought of the quote after I saw the picture.

I was thinking, I wish there was a big bowl of love that I could go to when I felt down, misunderstood, or depleted. Then I realized there is! I can't always rely on my friends or family, though I do love them, and self doubt can make it hard to always like myself, but God, no matter what, loves me. He is that big fountain of love that endlessly pours out. All I have to do is go to him. It's not a long journey. No matter where I am, I can always spoon out a little love.
Believe that you are loved, that this world still has love at its center, and that you are worth every bit of love you receive.

Love for Enemies

 

You have heard that it was said, 'Love your friends, hate your enemies.' But now I tell you love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the sons of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil. Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collector can do that! And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans can do that! You must be perfect--just as your father in heaven is perfect!

(Luke 6.27-28, 2-36)